Kraton Polymers Introduces Latest Advances In Elastic Nonwoven Technology At INTC 2008 And INSIGHT 2008

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kraton Polymers LLC (Kraton), a leading global producer of engineered polymers, introduces its latest innovation in elastic nonwoven technology. Kraton believes its new product, MD6705, breaks the processing barrier of conventional styrenic block copolymers, now allowing fabricators to make bicomponent elastic nonwovens on commercial production equipment at full speed.

Until now, bicomponent elastic nonwovens based on thermoplastic elastomers were difficult to make. Polymers that spin well typically do not have good elastic properties. The unique design of MD6705 allows it to be processed at commercial production rates with excellent elastic properties. High speed runs have been demonstrated on Hills, Reifenhauser, and Neumag lines with PP, PET, and Nylon sheaths. Nonwovens with different weights and sheath ratios were produced. Performance of the finished fabric can be easily fine tuned for individual application needs.

Nonwovens made with this new bicomponent fiber technology can be used as elastic components in personal hygiene applications such as diaper waist band, diaper ear tab, training pant side panels, adult incontinence cover sheet, and feminine hygiene components. It can also be used in clothing, medical device parts, industrial applications, food service, automotive parts, and sporting goods.

"Kraton Polymers has been a key supplier to the elastic fiber and film market for many years. End users in this market want their final products to have good hand feel, soft draping characteristics, and elastic fit. Due to the inherent tackiness of many elastic polymers, multiple manufacturing steps are frequently used to achieve desirable properties," says Michael Oberkirch, Global VP Advanced Materials for Kraton Polymers. "Kraton MD6705 allows fabricators to convert pellets to elastic fabrics in a single step. The bicomponent spunbond nonwovens not only provide significant system cost savings but also achieve excellent elastic recovery and a soft fabric-like feel. This new product demonstrates how our advanced innovations bring value to our customers."

Learn More at INTC 2008 and INSIGHT 2008

p>Kraton Polymers will present a technical paper on the development of MD6705 on September 10th at the INTC 2008 conference and on October 15th at the INSIGHT 2008 conference. Please also visit our tabletop display during the INSIGHT 2008 conference.

For more information on Kraton polymers, visit our website at www.Kraton.com, or for direct inquiries, customers should contact their sales representative or Kraton market development manager; for Europe Christian.Kafka@kraton.com, for U.S. Karen.McNeal@kraton.com, for Asia Clark.Yan@kraton.com.

About Kraton
Kraton is a leading global producer of engineered polymers and, we believe, the world's largest producer of styrenic block copolymers (SBCs), a family of products whose chemistry was pioneered by us over forty years ago. SBCs are highly-engineered thermoplastic elastomers, which enhance the performance of numerous products by delivering a variety of attributes, including greater flexibility, resilience, strength, durability and processability. Kraton polymers are used in a wide range of applications including adhesives, coatings, consumer and personal care products, sealants, lubricants, medical, packaging, automotive, paving, roofing, and footwear products. Kraton has the leading position in nearly all of its core markets and is the only producer of SBCs with global manufacturing capability. Its production facilities are located in the United States, Germany, France, The Netherlands, Brazil, and Japan.

Kraton, the Kraton logo and design, and "Giving Innovators their Edge" tagline are trademarks of Kraton Polymers LLC.

Forward Looking Statements

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